Elemento Dance Academy Salsa and Bachata

Elemento Dance Academy teaches Salsa and Bachata in Culver City, led by multiple world champions with over 20 years of experience. The studio runs a structured four-week cycle system, with classes split into beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks. For Salsa, you can train in On1 (Beginner Levels 1–2) or progress to On2 timing (Levels 2, 2.5, 3, and MamboLab at Level 3.5). Bachata classes run from Beginner Levels 1–2 through to Level 4, plus a specialist Traditional Bachata course rooted in Dominican footwork. Specialty offerings include MamboLab Footwork (focused on solo shines and Mambo technique) and DanceLab, a themed class series covering Cha Cha Cha, Pachanga, musicality, improvisation, dance conditioning, and performance work.

Kiki D Amanno and Javier Campines lead the faculty. Kiki is a multiple World Salsa and Bachata Champion and director and choreographer of the 12x World Champions B Queens Elite. She trained with Ballet Russe dancers and has worked as a concert performer alongside artists including Thirty Seconds to Mars, Devendra Banhart, and Korn. Her background spans Hip Hop, Afro-Cuban, contemporary, Cabaret, and Gyrotonic training; she holds PMA and Romana's True Pilates certifications and trained in Dance Medicine at the Harkness Center. Javier Campines is a multiple World Champion in Salsa ON1, ON2, Bachata Classic, and Bachata Cabaret with roots in Panama, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and New York. He has performed with Marc Anthony, Tom Cruise, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Oscar de Leon, Grupo Niche, Sonora Poncena, Rey Ruiz, and others, and is known for producing championship students and teams.

Classes meet throughout the week: Salsa Beginner Level 1 runs Tuesdays at 8PM, Wednesdays at 7PM, and Fridays at 7PM; Salsa On2 and Bachata classes fill most other evenings and some Sunday slots. The studio welcomes beginners with no dance experience and does not require a partner—students rotate frequently to practise with different partners. Private lessons are available for personalised, one-on-one training. The academy also runs dance teams that train, perform, and compete, and offers space rental for events, rehearsals, or classes.

On your first visit, wear comfortable, light clothing and shoes with ankle support (avoid thick rubber soles). No partner is needed—you'll rotate with classmates. Register online before arriving, as classes fill quickly. Beginners start with fundamentals: basic steps, timing, lead and follow technique, frame, posture, and introductory turn patterns, all taught in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Kiki D Amanno, multiple World Salsa and Bachata Champion and director of 12x World Champions B Queens Elite, brings training in ballet, hip hop, Afro-Cuban, contemporary, Cabaret, and movement conditioning. Javier Campines, multiple World Champion in Salsa ON1, ON2, Bachata Classic, and Bachata Cabaret, trained across Panama, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and New York and has performed with Marc Anthony, Tom Cruise, and major Latin bands. Both are known for developing championship-level dancers.

Beginner Level 1 classes are designed for absolute beginners with no prior experience; no partner required, and students rotate frequently to practise with different partners.